[Arch Stanton]

Looking for any and all suggestions. Would prefer something affordable but I'm sure anything less than $75 is probably junk.

 

[charliemeyer007]

It starts with a section of truck leaf spring and a die grinder with a pack or 2 of disks. Work slow, keep the metal cool so you don't draw the temper. Lots of vid's on youtube.

Wayne's, The $50 Knife Shop is good book if you want to work softer steels then heat treat it back to the hardness you require.

 

[Arch Stanton]

It starts with a section of truck leaf spring and a die grinder with a pack or 2 of disks. Work slow, keep the metal cool so you don't draw the temper. Lots of vid's on youtube.

Wayne's, The $50 Knife Shop is good book if you want to work softer steels then heat treat it back to the hardness you require.

I did a fair amount of blacksmithing for about 7 years when I was a younger man, even worked on a movie and did a few shows. I was never interested in bladesmithing myself even though I appreciate the craft.

 

[DEFTanker]

I love my Marine Raider bowie by Ontario

 

[swamppapa]

Cold steel Bowie machete

 

[charliemeyer007]

Have you looked at a Woodsman's Pal? A buddy has one and he really likes it for a using tool. He does martial arts stuff, so I respect his opinion on edged stuff.

https://www.woodmanspal.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMImsHapcCE6AIVgqDsCh39dwzsEAAYASAAEgKv7vD_BwE

 

[Jackpine1]

My dad was issued a Woodsman's Pal during WWII. Exactly like todays, but, it had a full guard around the entire handle. Included in the sheath was a round sharpening stone, and a manual that included text with pictures on fighting a Jap with a sword.

 

[leadcounsel]

The Schrade Leroy bowie knife on Amazon for $33 shipped is about the best deal going. I bought FOUR I was so impressed. It feels fantastic, weighted great, and online reviews are largely extremely good.

Blade is made of reliable 8Cr13MoV Titanium Coated High Carbon Stainless Steel with black thermoplastic elastomer handle slabs.

The steel is adequate, the design is fantastic. Don't abuse the heck out of it and it will probably last a lifetime. So affordable, you can get two so you have a backup if damaged or lost.

Lowest price in 4 years on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0128NHHY8/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

 

[Arch Stanton]

Would prefer a wooden handle if possible but these are all excellent suggestions

 

[blue123]

RTAK-II

http://ontarioknife.com/fixed-blades/ratr-series/rtak-ii.html



One of the best Bowie type knives i've used, goin on 10 years now......

 

[223shootersc]

For the money Condor Hudson Bay

 

[jimbowie1]

I have collected bowies over the years and the 1 I like best was carried by jeremiah johnson in the 1972 movie, it was a w49 western bowie you can still find them on e-bay any where from $50.00 to $150.00 depending on condition, jmo

 

[plumberroy]

KABAR/Becker BK9 doesn't come with wood scales, but after market replacements are available

 

[Arch Stanton]

KABAR/Becker BK9 doesn't come with wood scales, but after market replacements are available

That’s a great looking knife. I’ll look for reviews

 

[hawgy54]

The Schrade Leroy bowie knife on Amazon for $33 shipped is about the best deal going. I bought FOUR I was so impressed. It feels fantastic, weighted great, and online reviews are largely extremely good.

Blade is made of reliable 8Cr13MoV Titanium Coated High Carbon Stainless Steel with black thermoplastic elastomer handle slabs.

The steel is adequate, the design is fantastic. Don't abuse the heck out of it and it will probably last a lifetime. So affordable, you can get two so you have a backup if damaged or lost.

Lowest price in 4 years on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0128NHHY8/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

I just bought one, but it is a nice knife, and the price is incredible. :upsidedown:

 

[SamSnead]

Looking for any and all suggestions. Would prefer something affordable but I'm sure anything less than $75 is probably junk.

Have you heard of someone who goes by "Brownie" on the sister site Defensive Carry? He has a wealth of info on this that you might enjoy.

 

[Arch Stanton]

Looking for any and all suggestions. Would prefer something affordable but I'm sure anything less than $75 is probably junk.

Have you heard of someone who goes by "Brownie" on the sister site Defensive Carry? He has a wealth of info on this that you might enjoy.

I will check it out

 

[Eddie_T]

The Schrade Leroy bowie knife on Amazon for $33 shipped is about the best deal going. I bought FOUR I was so impressed. It feels fantastic, weighted great, and online reviews are largely extremely good.

Blade is made of reliable 8Cr13MoV Titanium Coated High Carbon Stainless Steel with black thermoplastic elastomer handle slabs.

The steel is adequate, the design is fantastic. Don't abuse the heck out of it and it will probably last a lifetime. So affordable, you can get two so you have a backup if damaged or lost.

Lowest price in 4 years on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0128NHHY8/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

From the image it appears that the handle could be removed for replacement. If so one could create a nice custom wood handle.

 

[arleigh]

I prefer my Wester Bowie.

 

[JLeeS1983]

As mentioned above the old Western w49 bowie is a large, well made knife that can be had fairly cheap.